How I Fake a Big, Gorgeous Bun

Posted 06/27/12 at 02:51PM by Cinya Burton

They say bigger is better, and when it comes to ballerina buns, I would have to agree. It's not that I don't love the trendy topknots celebrities have been flaunting it's just that I need the voluminous structure in a BIG bun to even out my slightly smaller head.

Pinhead aside, is there anything more elegant than a thick, glossy bun? You know the kind that makes it look like you have tons of hair piled high? Love.

Here's the thing though: I don't have miles of hair. In fact, mine ends at my collarbones (and that's after a year of "growing it out"). So, when I try to wrap my hair into a bun, the result is a puny half-loop. Not a good look, believe me.

That's why I was so very stoked when I discovered the sock bun technique.

Now, I know some of you cringe at the mere name, but I can assure you it really works. For years, friends and co-workers have asked me how I get my bun so full and are always shocked to learn that the secret weapon is a small black sock.

Don't believe me? Give it a try. It might take a few attempts -- consider it a mini arm workout -- but once you master the technique, I'm confident you'll be bun-ing it all summer long.

Step 1:
Grab a clean sock, cut off the toe section, and roll the fabric down into a doughnut shape. I suggest picking a solid shade that is similar to your hair color so if it does peek through (relax, mine never has), it won't be too noticeable.

Step 2:
Pull your hair back into a high ponytail. You can mist your hair with a texturizing spray or tease ends for added lift.

Step 3:
Place the doughnut at the end of your ponytail, pulling the very tips of your hair through the center hole. Now, begin wrapping that hair over the doughnut, tucking the ends underneath. Try and cover the entire doughnut with your hair ends.

Step 4:
Roll the sock along with your hair down to the base of the ponytail. As you flip the sock downward your hair will naturally spread out over the doughnut.

Step 5:
Tuck any loose strands around the base and pin into place.

And, voila! A big, old, beautiful bun that even the prima-est of the prima ballerinas would be proud to call their own.